The coalition, which includes Saudi Arabia and the UAE, intervened in the Yemen war in March 2015 at the request of the legitimate government of President Abdrabu Mansur Hadi. It has helped the government take back large areas of land and most of the south.

On Sunday, pro-government Al Amalikah Brigades, backed by the coalition, were gearing up to launch an offensive against the rebels in Al Duraihimi district to liberate Al Hussainiya and Al Mansouria.

Al Amalikah brigades arrive in the Al-Duraihimi area on Sunday. Photo by Saber Abdulwahed

“Retaking these two areas is crucial because it will lead to the liberation of the key port city of Hodeidah,” Aseel Al Sakladi, spokesman for the brigades, told The National.

“The goal is to cut and take over the Houthi supply route to the east of Hodeidah airport, which is the Houthis’ main artery that feeds into a number of areas in the port city.”

Up to 10,000 people have been killed and millions have been displaced in the conflict.